31st Dec 2013, 21:59

They are OK cars, and you're right they usually age well... just don't buy a white one. The paint comes off prematurely; my '98 and '99, both white, had the paint coming off in chunks before 120k miles (on the '98 before 50k miles, it started on the hood). I've seen others like that also. Any color on these things but white, and listen for "piston slap" when the engine is first started (cold) before it's warmed up, and it sounds like ticking valves or lifters. It's worse than that. It is usually the '98 and newer Lumina, and many other GM products have this problem.

1999 Chevrolet Lumina from North America

Summary:

Roomy, dependable, fiscally responsible

General Comments:

This car has been fantastic, still getting 27 miles per gallon with almost 320,000 miles on her.

She's just starting to fall apart, however (about time, eh?!), since I've had to replace the fuel pump, alternator, etc just lately, but with the money I've saved on car payments with this VERY economical car, I don't mind at all.

Although the seating is reviewed as uncomfortable by almost everybody, I guess it's what you're used to- fine with me. I still drive 50 miles one-way to work on the freeway, with great air-conditioning (year-round here in South Texas), and pickup for passing.

I'm sure gonna miss Delores when she finally does die -- she still looks good too!

30th Aug 2008, 13:21

1999 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

I started calling it the Lemona

Faults:

Almost everything.

I changed the oil every 3000 miles.

Had to replace the A/C compressor every year for two years (the third time I just let it go).

Replaced the water pump, alternator, and the thermostat twice, (this is the hardest part I've ever had to replace. It's on the driver's side, in the block, behind the exhaust crossover, and underneath the air intake. The first time it took three hours).

In the second year the fuel pump started squealing, and everyone said to just ride it out, so it finally went out in 2005.

Had to replace the intake manifold gasket twice.

Turn signal switch went out. When we replaced it the steering wheel made a grinding noise when turned.

Definitely won't buy another American car again, until reliability and fuel economy are addressed.

General Comments:

Interior reasonably comfortable.

CD player quit in 2004.

A/C vents are in the perfect place to get hit by knees.

All the radio backlights went out in 2004.

In 2007 I wrecked it, and sold it to my brother for $500. Two weeks later someone totaled it in the parking lot at work. We gladly replaced it with a 2007 Kia Sportage.